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National Dog Month 2026: When It Is & How to Celebrate

two dachshund dogs lying on grass outdoor

Every pet deserves a special occasion when their pet parents will treat them best as possible, making them feel special and loved. During National Dog Month, which occurs each year in August, every day for our dogs is a special day. It is the perfect time to make them feel adored by their owners, and you can do so in many ways.

Read more in the article below to learn more about why we celebrate this amazing holiday and how you can participate.

divider dog faces oct 2024

What is National Dog Month?

National Dog Month is dedicated to our lovely canine companions across the world. Since dogs are the most common pets in the world, it is no wonder we have countless holidays celebrating their existence and their impact on human lives. These lovely creatures make our days better and show us unconditional love.

The nation began celebrating this holiday in 2020, thanks to Milk-Bone, who started this tradition. Owning a dog has many incredible benefits, so if you are lucky enough to have one or even a few, we advise you to celebrate the entire month of August. Luckily, this holiday will be happening every year, so you can dedicate every August to showing your love for your dog. There are many ways you can observe this holiday and participate in it, which we’ll talk more about below.

The owner walks around the city with a dog of the Magyar Vizsla
Image Credit: bodnar.photo, Shutterstock

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How to Celebrate National Dog Month

Celebrating National Dog Month is a very easy yet rewarding thing to do. We advise every pet parent with a dog to enjoy the entire month of August filled with love and respect for their dogs. Below, you can find some of the most fulfilling ways to celebrate National Dog Month with your furry sidekick.

  • Annual check-up at the vet. This is a great time to provide your dog with the health care it deserves, so take them to the vet for a check-up. These are especially helpful for dealing with any illnesses or diseases because they let vets discover them in time and provide the best possible treatment.
  • Donate to your local shelter or volunteer your time. Local shelters are usually at full capacity and struggling with the lack of either funds or supplies. You could donate your old blankets or dog food, which can significantly help your local shelter.
  • Get a new pup. National Dog Month is an excellent time to do so if you are considering getting a new pup. You could also adopt a new puppy from your local shelter. This act can significantly help in lowering the population of dogs that are struggling with homelessness in the streets each day.
  • Give your pup only the best during this month. This is the best time to spoil your pup. Offer only the best treats that you know they adore and treat them to some new toys. Take them to their favorite locations for playtime and organize playdates with their favorite doggy friends.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve read about this fantastic holiday, it is time to go on and celebrate it with your pet! Your dog will definitely enjoy August more than ever because it will be a new opportunity to bond with you and enjoy new activities. There are other ways you can celebrate in a way that is helpful to the community, such as volunteering at a local shelter or donating.


Featured Image Credit: Connie Sinteur, Shutterstock

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